Escape the Chill at 5 LI Tea Shops

We all know where to get the best cup of joe, but what about a proper cup of tea? Between blustery winds and chilly temps, a warm cup of vanilla chai or rose milk screams relief. Many Long Island tea shops even offer loose teas for purchase. Drink up and bring some home for the inescapable snow days.

The Hidden Oak Cafe is a secret gem located inside the Manor House at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The Victorian Tea is served in a private reservations only room that is exquisitely decorated. Between breathtaking views of the arboretum and a tiered platter stuffed to the brim with food, guests will definitely want to stay and stroll the gardens afterward.What to drink: vanilla cream, Moroccan madness and monks blend.What to eat: pecan & raisin filled scones, egg salad with watercress sandwich, smoked ham and pistachio cake. Click to go

Royal Tea House, Great Neck Plaza

White tablecloths, gorgeous china and plush velvet seats, the Royal Tea House oozes casual elegance. Reviewers say it looks like “a whimsical indoor garden” and “smells like roses” when guests walk in the door. Not to mention, the polite staff is very knowledgeable about the delicious menu that features brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert.What to drink: rose milk tea, tropical fruit tea and Kenya milk tea.What to eat: spiced pumpkin soup, lobster roll, pineapple & avocado salad and the three-tiered dessert. Click to go

Chat Noir, Rockville Centre

Reminiscent of a Parisian café, Chat Noir is well-known for its great ambiance and attention to detail. Between intriguing menu options like quiches and crepes and an attentive staff, fans of this tea room quickly become regulars. Nicely decorated, this well-appointed tea room earns rave reviews not only for its great selection of teas, but also for its presentation in antiquated teacups.What to drink: peach tea, coconut mango green tea and black currant tea.What to eat: eggs Benedict crepe, baked salmon, fish and chips and the pastry basket. Click to go

Robinson’s Tea Room, Stony Brook

Through a casual atmosphere and feminine vibe, Robinson’s Tea Room features over 50 varieties of loose leaf tea. The British Afternoon Tea service is a favorite among guests and provides unlimited tea along with a three-tier tower full of sweets, savories and scones. Reviewers say the scones are “out of this world” and the cinnamon flavor is always the first to go.What to drink: jasmine blossom green tea and chai tea.What to eat: daily quiche, butternut squash soup, cucumber sandwich and cinnamon scone with clotted cream and jam. Click to go

The Secret Garden Tea Room, Port Jefferson

Fans of this sweet little tea room love the staff’s adorable touches that make the experience even more enjoyable. Think: note cards adorned with words of wisdom at each place setting and a “dressing room” in the back where visitors can grab hats and boas to wear. In terms of food, the soups, salads and sandwiches change monthly and food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.What to drink: rainbow cookie, grandma’s root beer and fleur de lis.What to eat: deviled egg, mini shrimp sandwich, coconut macaroons and cream puffs. Click to go